Indomethacin

(in doe METH a sin)

Dosage Forms

• This drug comes as a capsule, an injection, a liquid, and a rectal suppository.

Pharmacologic Category

• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Oral
• Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug (NSAID), Parenteral

What key warnings should I know about before giving this drug to my child?

• This drug may raise the chance of ulcers or bleeding from the stomach or bowel. Talk with your child's doctor.
• Unsafe reactions may happen. This drug cannot be given while your child is taking certain other drugs. Check all the drugs your child is taking with your child's doctor.
• Please read the medication guide.

Is it safe for my child to take this drug?

• Not if your child has an allergy to indomethacin or any other part of this drug.
• Be sure to let doctor know if your child has any allergies or reactions to drugs, food preservatives, or dyes. Make sure to tell about the allergy and what signs your child had. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other signs involved.
• Injection: Not if your child has any of these health problems: Bleeding problems, infection, bowel problems, low platelet count, or very bad kidney disease.

Why does my child need this drug?

• It is used to ease pain, swelling, and fever.
• It is used to treat arthritis.
• It is used to treat patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

How does this drug work?

• Indomethacin blocks chemicals that cause pain and swelling.
• It lowers fever by changing the body's thermostat in the brain.
• It tightens the muscle to close the PDA.

How is this drug given?

• Give with food to stop an upset stomach.
• There is a liquid (suspension) if your child cannot swallow pills. Shake well before use.
• Children who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after this drug is given.
• Measure liquid doses carefully. Use measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, get an oral syringe, a dropper, a spoon, or a cup (only for older children) from your pharmacist.
• Use suppository rectally.
• Arthritis:
• To gain the most benefit, do not miss giving your child doses.
• Give as told, even if your child is feeling better.
• Injection:
• It is given as a shot into a vein over a period of time.

How long does this drug take to work?

• Your child may start feeling better soon after starting this drug.
• Your child may start feeling better a few weeks after starting this drug for arthritis.

What do I do if my child misses a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your child's normal time.
• Do not give two doses or extra doses.
• Many times this drug is given on an as needed basis.

What safety measures should I take while my child is using this drug?

• All forms:
• If your child has kidney disease, talk with doctor.
• Check your child's drugs with doctor. This drug may not mix well with other drugs.
• Oral:
• If your child has asthma, talk with doctor.
• If your child has high blood pressure, talk with doctor.
• If your child has had an ulcer or bleeding from the stomach or bowel, talk with doctor.
• If your child has a weak heart, talk with doctor.
• Your child may bleed more easily. Have him/her be more careful and avoid injury. Wear a bike helmet, for example, while riding a bike.
• Tell dentists, surgeons, and other doctors that your child is using this drug.

What are some side effects of this drug?

• Headache.
• Belly pain.
• Upset stomach or throwing up. Small frequent meals and frequent mouth care may help. Older children may suck hard, sugar-free candy.
• Loose stools.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber diet may help. Talk with doctor about a stool softener or laxative.
• Injection:
• Skin irritation.
• Long pauses between breaths.
• Low blood sugar. Signs include anger, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

What should I watch for?

• Change in health problem being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
• For unwanted reactions to the drug.
• Follow up with doctor.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• If any of this news causes you to be worried, any of the unwanted reactions happen, or if your child's is not better after taking this drug.
• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or ER right away.
• If your child shows signs of a very bad reaction, call doctor or ER right away. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or if your child is not acting normal.
• If your child has trouble breathing.
• If your child has a very bad upset stomach or is throwing up.
• If your child has very bad belly pain.
• If your child has swelling of feet or hands.
• If your child has a major weight gain.
• If your child has black, tarry, or bloody stools.
• If your child has low blood sugar.
• If your child has blood in the urine.
• If your child has very bad loose stools.
• If your child has unusual bruising or bleeding.
• If your child gets a rash.
• If your child’s health problem does not get better or if you believe your child’s health problem is worse.

How should I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature.
• Protect from light.
• Protect capsules from water. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
• The injection will be given to your child in a doctor office setting. You will not store it at home.

General facts

• If your child has a very bad allergy, he/she should wear allergy ID at all times.
• You can get this drug by drug order only. If there are refills, call your pharmacy. If your child does not have refills left, you may need to call your child's doctor.
• This drug should be thrown out when your child no longer needs it or if the drug becomes outdated.
• Most drugs can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.
• In Canada return any unused drugs back to the pharmacy. Also, visit http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/med/disposal-defaire-eng.php#th
• Do not share your child's drug with others and do not give anyone else's drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Many drugs do not work with other drugs. Keep a list of all your child's drugs (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, OTC) with you. Give this list to your child's doctor.
• Call your doctor for health help about side effects. You may also call the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.
• Talk with your child's doctor before giving him/her any new drug, including OTC, natural products, or vitamins.
• If you do not use a drug the right way, it may not be safe. Follow what your child’s doctor tells you.

Copyright © 1978- Lexi-Comp Inc., The Children's Hospital, Denver, CO., and Pediatric Pharmacy Advocacy Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This information is protected under US and international copyright law. Unauthorized use or reproduction is prohibited.